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Dan
08-04-2005, 17:25
RELEASE NUMBER: 050804-01
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 4, 2005

7th SFG welcomes new commander, bids farewell to former commander
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug. 4, 2005) — The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) inducted a new commander into their ranks and bid another farewell during an Aug. 4 change of command ceremony here.

With Soldiers standing in formation on Meadows Memorial Parade Field, Col. Jeffrey D. Waddell, the former 7th SFG commander, passed the unit’s colors to Col. Edward R. Reeder, Jr.

Reeder is a veteran of 7th SFG, serving first in 1987 as an Operational Detachment-A commander. He participated in Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama, and also served as a U.S. Army Advisor to the El Salvardoran national Civil Defense Forces.

Under Waddell’s two-year command, the 7th SFG deployed throughout Latin America and the Middle East, bringing freedom and democracy to all corners of the globe.

“Colonel Waddell and members of the 7th Special Forces Group deserve the love and thanks of America, a nation that you have served so well,” said Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones, commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). “I know you cherish your battlefield successes and honor your losses.”

“With deployments to Columbia, Iraq and Afghanistan, this formation has earned the respect of a grateful nation,” Jones continued. “This is how heroes are paid. Heroes are paid with respect from their fellows.”

Waddell's voice cracked with emotion when he began to address his comrades-in-arms.

“It was a fast and furious pace,” said Waddell, referring to his work since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Waddell thanked his parents, children and grandson for their continued support.

“To quote the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig,” Waddell said. “’Today I feel like the luckiest man in the world.’”

Waddell said he is confident Reeder, his longtime friend, will be a strong 7th SFG commander.

“We understand that vigilance at home, coupled with aggressive action abroad are key elements to U.S. foreign policy,” Reeder said.

Reeder's military and civilian education include the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, Ranger, Airborne, Defense Language Institue, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.

His military awards and decorations include the Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Service Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (5th Award) , Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award) , Joint Meritorious Unit Award (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award) Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award), Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. Reeder received the Star of the Armed Forces Medal (Ecuador), the Honor and Merit Medal (Venezuela), and numerous foreign parachutist badges.

-usasoc-

Doc
08-04-2005, 18:09
Two great COL's back to back.

I believe TR was fortunate enough to attend the change of command ceremony. Both of these COL's are good friends of his.

Doc

Warrior-Mentor
08-04-2005, 18:11
Didn't know COL Wadell other than to see him coming and going,
but COL Reeder is a great guy and will do well.

NousDefionsDoc
08-04-2005, 18:53
I've known Colonel Waddell since he was a junior-assed Captain. Fine man.

The Reaper
08-04-2005, 19:11
I was there, along with Peregrino. In fact, I just got in from JW's party at the GB Club.

COL Waddell and I were in 2/7 on teams at the same time, deployed together, and served together on some assignments over the years, he is a good friend.

COL Reeder and I were classmates at some schools, are long-time friends, and ride together when we can.

Both famous and great Americans.

May post pics later.

TR

Roguish Lawyer
08-04-2005, 19:22
May post pics later.


Please consider this an expression of interest should you need one. ;)

The Reaper
08-04-2005, 20:08
I think that this is what you are looking for.

TR

The Reaper
08-04-2005, 20:13
And these.

TR

Roguish Lawyer
08-04-2005, 20:14
I think that this is what you are looking for.

TR

Yes, sir. Thanks very much for sharing. I recognize the location! Not far from where the infamous Mary Poppins photos were taken!

NousDefionsDoc
08-04-2005, 21:39
TR,
Great pics as usual. Thanks. How many times did Col. Reeder have to tug on the colors before Jeff let go? :D

The Reaper
08-04-2005, 21:43
TR,
Great pics as usual. Thanks. How many times did Col. Reeder have to tug on the colors before Jeff let go? :D

Look at the pic, BG Jones had to take them from him. :D

JW was having a good time at the GB Club tonight smoking a fine cigar, swapping lies with me and sipping beverages.

He did a great job during his tour. The boys were happy with him.

Speaking of the GB Club, they have a framed poster of your quote that a company is printing and handing out. Will try to get a pic later.

TR

NousDefionsDoc
08-04-2005, 21:57
I heard good things about JW's time from the boys. That quote sure gets around.

Roycroft201
08-04-2005, 23:53
Excuse me, sirs.........

“With deployments to Columbia, Iraq and Afghanistan

How can a press release from 7th SFG spell Colombia wrong ???

(asked the teacher, holding her red pen). ;)



The pictures are great, TR. Thanks for posting them.

alphamale
08-05-2005, 00:26
Wow.

Beautiful pics TR and Dan.

FrontSight

Doc
08-05-2005, 03:35
How can a press release from 7th SFG spell Colombia wrong ???

The press release was from a USASOC PAO SGT. He's across the street from 7th GP and a world away. :D

Doc

Doc
08-05-2005, 05:30
In fact, I just got in from JW's party at the GB Club.

TR

I'll bet the place was packed. :D

One of my favorite watering holes. If you have not seen someone in a long time, go in and pull up a seat. Chances are that you will see them come in shortly.

Doc

KolB
08-05-2005, 07:08
I served under COL Reeder while OPCON to 3rd Grp. He is definitely a great man!

vsvo
08-05-2005, 08:23
Thanks for the pics TR and Dan!

BamBam
08-05-2005, 12:17
Jeff Waddell, hell of a man, any of you guys see him tell him I said Hello, thanks for a job well done and good luck in his future endeavors.

CRad
08-13-2005, 18:48
Two great COL's back to back.

I believe TR was fortunate enough to attend the change of command ceremony. Both of these COL's are good friends of his.

Doc

Couldn't agree more. I think there's been 3 good ones in a row - Pete Dillion was a pretty good guy.

TR - a guy from the SOC came up for the Change of Command even though he had to take leave time to be there. It was worth it.

one-zero
08-21-2005, 15:41
BTW, Pete just retired last week in DC...